BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND — Evangelist Frank Brown and his wife Sharon returned to England Sunday, April 7 from a visit to the Church in Ghana. While in the West African country, Mr. Brown, who is Regional Director for the British Isles, Scandinavia, English speaking areas of Europe, the Middle East and East and West Africa, conducted the Passover service in Accra, assisted by church pastor Mr. Josef Forson. One hundred nine members from all over Ghana were in attendance.
On the first day of Unleavened Bread, Mr. Brown spoke to a combined church group of 257 people from Kurnasi and Accra. The Holy Day offering was 40% higher than a year ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown were able to visit the Church's farm program located 30 minutes north of Accra. Presently under cultivation are 26 acres of cassava, corn, beans, pineapples and yarns. With the rainfall pattern having now returned to normal, the crops are expected to flourish in the next few months. Each church family has access to a plot of land for their own use and all are expected to work on a communal area set aside for those church members who are unable to work. Any surplus produce is sold in the marketplace and the proceeds are used to buy materials for the farm.
Mr. Forson says that the farm project is invaluable in many ways. "It serves as a focus for family unity as well as [being] a most welcome source of food, especially at times of national shortage," he stated.
Mr. Brown noted that economic conditions in Ghana have improved dramatically in the last few months. Due to drought and economic problems, food shortages were severe during the previous eighteen months and the people of Ghana experienced much hardship. It was at that time that the farm's produce meant the difference between life and death for many members.
The apparent end of the drought and an injection of funds into the country by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) contribute to a much easier life for Ghanaians than had previously been the case. However, conditions are still far from ideal. "Don't think, though, that God's people in Ghana have it easy," said Mr. Brown. "Many commodities are in short supply and people only make enough money to provide for a very basic standard of living." Despite this, he added, nobody complains, and the members of the Church are very dedicated and faithful.
The Church in Britain has been able to assist the Ghanaian brethren by purchasing a truck, which is used not only for carrying workers to the farm but also in transporting members to and from Sabbath services. Public transport is so expensive that many were finding it a great financial strain to travel to services regularly. The truck, which has been fitted with benches and a roof, serves as a bus and enables the brethren to be much more mobile. They are very appreciative of this help from their British brethren.
Before returning to the U.K., Mr. and Mrs. Brown were guests at a Ladies' Night meeting of the Kumasi and Accra Spokesman Clubs. Seventy club members and their wives or dates participated in a rousing table topics session and listened to five entertaining and interesting speeches. Mr. Forson gave the overall evaluation, complimenting all those who took part and exhorting everyone to greater standards of excellence.
In his closing comments, the Regional Director urged the members not to take the things given to them by the Church for granted; especially Spokesman Club. "Strive always to give a speech," he said, "not just take time.
These clubs are unique in Ghana. Put yourself into them fully." Mr. Brown mentioned that he was pleased to see the considerable growth which had taken place since his last visit to the Club in 1981.
Because they were unable to obtain visas for Nigeria, Mr. and Mrs. Brown were obliged to cut short their visit to West Africa. They hope to schedule a trip to Nigeria later in the year.
(Note: The above report will also appear in an upcoming issue of The WORLDWIDE NEWS.)
Regional Director Frank Brown Visits Ghana
Worldwide Church of God